Image by Skistar Trysil
For the uninitiated, your first skiing holiday can be both exciting and nerve-wracking when it comes to planning. Where will you go? Will everyone be really experienced? What if you hurt yourself?
When booking your first ever skiing holiday it’s important to remember a few key facts and tips that will help the rest of your holiday go smoothly.
Choosing Your Destination
France, Switzerland, Austria, the US – there are fantastic regions and locations to suit all budgets and abilities of skier, so it’s important to choose the right one for you and the rest of your party.
Newbies should look for resorts with plenty of beginner slopes, beginner-friendly ski lifts, ski schools that come with glowing testimonials and wide, open pistes, which are easy to navigate.
Booking a Hotel
Once you’ve chosen the region or town you want to visit, it’s time to pick your hotel. Options to choose from will vary depending on the region, but typical options include self-catering accommodation, hotels and ski chalets, so it really does come down to personal preference and how much you want to spend.
Some hotels will come with in-house ski schools, which can be great for nervous first timers. For the socially adventurous among you, it is possible to share the hire of chalets with other holidaymakers, splitting the cost and potentially giving you some great après-ski buddies to drink with.
Pack Like a Pro
Unlike a beach holiday where you can throw a bikini and some sun tan lotion in your suitcase and go on your merry way, winter sports holidays require a lot more preparation.
Once you’ve picked a region, it’s important to do your research on local hire outlets and make a list of what you need to bring, borrow or rent once you get out there.
And don’t be fooled by how cold it looks in the brochure photos – your skin is just as likely to burn in Chamonix as it is in Canary Islands, due to your proximity to the sun and the reflection from the snow, so sunscreen and high protection eyewear is essential.
Off-Piste Entertainment
If you’ve never been skiing before, how do you know you’ll enjoy it? Well, until you hit the slopes you won’t really know for sure, but hopefully if you’ve gotten this far then you’ll love it! Fortunately, if you do find yourself struggling with lessons or feeling the chill, most resorts will be packed with other entertainment, so consider this when booking.
Potential activities and amenities to look out for include spas, restaurants, walking or hiking tours (fantastic for making the most of those stunning views) and local attractions that are a short drive away.
Take all these aspects into consideration and booking your first skiing break will be a breeze. If you think I’ve missed out any other tips for planning a perfect trip then share your thoughts below.
Gavin Harvey is a personal trainer who loves travel and adventure. He writes for Hotelopia and loves hitting the slopes whenever he gets the chance.
